CFA Exam Dates

Do you want to clear the CFA exam dates in 2025? Timing is everything when it comes to achieving success and knowing the key dates for registration and exams can make all the difference. Whether you’re taking the CFA exams for the first time, getting ready for Level I, or are an experienced candidate and getting ready for Level III, all these important deadlines will help you avoid last-minute stress while preparing for the exam. So are you ready to dive in? Let’s get you prepared and on track for CFA success!

CFA Exam Dates 2025: How to Register?

Click the Official CFA Institute Website: The official CFA Institute website will redirect you immediately to the registration portal. All these details like the date for the exam, fees, and curriculum for all three levels are available here.

Choose Your Level: Then, choose whether you wish to sit for Level I, II, or III. Remember that to be eligible to sit for Level II or Level III, you must pass the preceding level.

Choose Your Exam Window: For 2025, windows for exams will be available during February, May, August, and November. Choose a window that fits your schedule and exam plan, giving you enough time for studying.

Early Registration: A fee discount is offered during early registration by the CFA Institute. The early registration fee for levels I and II is USD 990, while the standard fee stands at USD 1,290. For level III, the early registration fee has been pegged at USD 1,090, while a standard fee is pegged at USD 1,390.

Registration Form: Fill in with your personal information, and academic and professional experience. Ensure that all the information entered is valid and correct since the CFA Institute will verify it.

Payment of Registration Fee: You must already have entered your details and be able to complete the payment process. This would be up to your preference, but make sure to pay before the deadline of your registration so that you can get a slot.

Confirmation: After you register, you will receive an email confirming your registration that contains a Candidate ID along with information about your exam. Keep this information safe since you will need it throughout the entire CFA certification.

Schedule Your Exam: After registering, you should schedule your exam on the website of your CFA Institute. It is important to select a test center and date within your chosen exam window.

CFA Exam Dates / Deadlines: What Are The Important Deadlines I Need In My Schedule? 

The level 1 exam will be held from August 20th to 26th. Level 2 exams will be held between the 27th and 31st of August. Exams for Level 3 are scheduled for 16th to 19th August 2024. Exam patterns differ according to the level you choose. All levels include essays supported by vignettes and multiple-choice questions. Candidates receive three points for each accurate response.

Key dates to know are as follows for successful registration and effective time management for the preparation of the CFA exam :

Early Registration Deadline: The candidates should enroll early since that carries a discounted fee. Generally, the early registration deadline is many months before the examination date.

Standard Registration Deadline: This is the final day when any applicant can register for the examination with the standard fee. Registration past this date is not possible. 

Payment Deadline: Applicants must ensure all payments are done within this deadline to fully finalize their registration. Not doing so would mean missing sitting for the examination.

Scheduling Deadline: Before one applies, a date for the desired exam needs to be set. Advance booking is also expected since places get filled up fast.

Reschedule Deadline: Application deadlines can be changed on date and location by rescheduling deadlines. A person may incur extra fees for this action, but planning ahead avoids the changes of dates and locations.

Registration and Exam Pattern for CFA Level 1 Exam

The official CFA program Institute website is where CFA Level 1 exam registration applications are made. The regular registration fee is ₹1,200. However, the exam calendar and application form are shared along with early registration, available until January 23rd, 2024. Here, you need to pay only ₹900. There are 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the Level 1 exam. It must be finished in two sessions. 2.25 hours are allotted for each session.

Many subjects are covered in the exam. It includes corporate finance, derivatives, alternative investments, equity investments, fixed income, quantitative methods, ethics, economics, financial reporting and analysis, and wealth planning.

Exam Pattern for the CFA Level 1 Exam

The CFA Level 1 exam tests cover a broad range of financial and investment concepts. Here’s what to expect:

• Multiple choice: The CFA Level 1 test consists of 180 MCQs, taken during two sessions, each of 2 hours and 15 minutes duration, with a 30-minute break in between.
• Topics: The test has ten subjects: Ethics and Professional Standards, Quantitative Methods, Economics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity Investments, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, and Portfolio Management.
• Scoring: One mark for every correct answer. No negative marking at all. So, it is in the interest of the student to attempt all questions.

Registration and Exam Pattern for CFA Level 2 Exam

The CFA exam Level 2 registration process happens online via the CFA Institute website. It follows the same deadlines and costs as Level 1. The 88 MCQs on the Level 2 exam are divided into two sessions. The total length of each session is two hours and twelve minutes.

Financial reporting and analysis, equity investments, corporate finance, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, portfolio management, and wealth planning are covered at Level 2.

Exam Pattern for the CFA Level 2 Exam

The CFA Level 2 exam delves deeper into investment analysis and asset valuation. Here’s an overview:

• Format: The test comprises 88 multiple choice questions, set in 22 item sets. Each item set includes a short case statement followed by four multiple-choice questions.
• Duration: The test is held in two sessions of 2 hours and 12 minutes, separated by a break.
• Question Type: These vignette-type questions are those for which the candidates must synthesize information and apply their knowledge in real-life scenarios. These questions have a value of three marks.
• Topics: This is still the same as Level 1, except with a heavier application and analysis mode. The main topics are Financial Reporting and Analysis, Corporate Finance, Equity Investments, Fixed Income, Derivatives, Alternative Investments, Portfolio Management, and Wealth Planning.

Registration and Exam Pattern for CFA Level 3 Exam

The CFA exam Level 3 registration procedure has the same format. It also has the same fees and deadlines adhering to the Institute’s rules. The Level 3 exam features a distinct format with MCQs and essay questions supported by vignettes. The exam must be finished in one 4-hour, 24-minute session. Level 3 topics include case studies and practical applications that centre on wealth planning and portfolio management.

To succeed in the CFA Programme, candidates must adhere to certain things. For instance, registration deadlines, comprehending exam patterns and exam format for every level, and covering the entire curriculum in preparation for these exams.

Exam Pattern for the CFA Level 3 Exam

This is the CFA Level 3 exam, which focuses on portfolio management and wealth planning, considering all the concepts of Levels 1 and 2. Here’s what you should know:

• Exam Format: This is a combination of structured essay questions and item-set questions. It is designed to test your ability to make sound investment decisions and manage portfolios.
• Length: It is a single exam that is 4 hours and 24 minutes long, in which a mix of essay questions and multiple-choice questions are asked.
• Content: The material focuses more on portfolio management, especially the application of investment concepts to private and institutional client situations, wealth planning, and risk management.
• Nature of Questions: Essay questions require answers that are intelligently structured by way of a case study, while item sets comprise vignette analysis to obtain answers to related questions.

How Do The CFA Exam Registration Fees Vary Across Deadlines?

The cost to register for the CFA exam varies according to the deadline. It incentivizes applicants to register ahead of time and organise their studies efficiently. Candidates must comprehend the fee structure to manage their expenses effectively. Moreover, it can help them make well-informed decisions about becoming a CFA.

The fees for CFA examinations are structured in a way to encourage people to register as early as possible while at the same time considering the cost involved in handling the exercises. Here is how the fees vary when one registers at different periods before sitting the 2025 CFA exams:

1. CFA Level 1 

There are two registration phases namely early registration and standard registration, early registration offers a discount on the cost of taking the exam. 

The deadline for the CFA Level 1 exam in 2025 is as follows: 

2. CFA Level 2

The deadline for CFA Level 2 exam in 2025 is as follows: 

3. CFA Level 3

The deadline for CFA Level 3 exam in 2025 is as follows: 

Note: The dates for the Nov 2025 exam cycle are not out yet.

Early Registration Deadline

Candidates who register as soon as possible are eligible for a discounted fee during the CFA Institute’s early registration window. Usually, this early registration window opens several months before the exam date. The early registration deadline for the 2024 exams is January 23, 2024. Candidates receive a discounted registration fee during this time. It reflects the Institute’s encouragement of early programme commitment.

Deadline for Invoice Payment

There is one more deadline in the registration process of the CFA Exam, which is the deadline for invoice payment. This deadline is April 4, 2024, for the exams in 2024. Applicants who have registered but not yet paid must make sure the Institute receives the payment by this deadline. Should this deadline be missed, the candidate might not be permitted to take the exam, and their registration could be cancelled.

Standard Registration Deadline

The standard registration phase of the CFA Exam starts after the early registration period. This phase for the 2024 exams starts after the early registration deadline and lasts until May 14, 2024. It is the final registration closure. Since the Institute wants candidates to commit to the CFA programme well in advance, the standard registration fee is higher.

Rescheduling Deadline

Candidates can modify the CFA exam date or location within the rescheduling deadline. The deadline for rescheduling the 2024 exams is July 17, 2024. Applicants should be aware that rescheduling may incur extra costs. Also, ensure availability is based on the exam centre’s capacity.

Conclusion

Understanding the breakdown of CFA exam registration fees and deadlines is crucial for those candidates registering. Early registration reduces the overall cost, enhances preparation strategies, and locks in a candidate’s spot in the exams. The CFA designation remains a coveted title in the finance industry as ever, providing knowledge and credentials for candidates to take their careers to new heights. It would also ease some of the financial constraints and help manage time perfectly while studying.

Zell Education is one of the most reputed CFA exam study centres. You can have mock exams and study materials and know every detail about the exam before the actual exam, like entry requirements and a complete schedule of the exam. All information for CFA course can be gathered via online mode from the website of Zell Education.  

FAQ’s on CFA Exam Dates and Pattern:

How many times a year is the CFA exam?

CFA Level 1 exams are held four times a year, Level 2 exams are held three times a year and Level 3 exams are held twice a year.

Is 3 months enough for CFA?

Where a candidate can pass with three months of intense study, six months must be adequate preparation time for each level; preferably, one should aim to cover about 300 hours of study material.

Can I clear CFA in 2 years?

Of course, it is possible to clear the CFA program within two years if one passes all the levels on his or her attempt and strictly follows the schedule of the exams.

Is CFA worth it in India?

The CFA designation holds a high reputation both in India and worldwide. Extremely beneficial in finance and investment sectors, this would offer career growth opportunities that come along with greater earning potential and variety in financial areas.

Anant Bengani, brings expertise as a Chartered Accountant and a leading figure in finance and accounting education. He’s dedicated to empowering learners with the finest financial knowledge and skills.